Fresh on the heels of their second So Cal ASA Alliance tournament title of 2005, at Lancaster last weekend, Fred Hanker’s Long Beach Black Sox will be heading north for the Grant’s Pass Memorial Day tournament. It will be a family affair for Fred, who’s father lives in the area and will no doubt bring along some local fans to root on the Sox. Fred had this to say about the rapid progress of his club, from a first year team last season, finishing as the Cal Cup champions in 2004, and now, winning two of the four Alliance tournaments to date:
“In only their second year of existence the Long Beach Black Sox have won 2 ASA “C” Alliance tournaments and currently sit in 4th place in the Alliance standings. Manager Fred Hanker didn’t expect so much success this soon. “When you try to build the team that you want there is a constant process of adding and subtracting parts until you get all of the pieces of the puzzle together.” ” to build the team that I wanted I figured would take a few years and I am surprised that this team has come together so fast and played so well together almost immediately.” “To me the key was keeping some crucial players from last year such as: Dale Lopes, Randy Clay, Chuck Vranich, John Otte, Dan Fleming, Brett Semans and myself. “The additions this year were almost a perfect fit.” “I think we really starting taking off when we added Andy Martinez and Chuck Chaple.” “These 2 guys have been the glue in the middle of the infield and been great number 1 and 2 hitters.” “Chris Minogue and Damo Guerrero have been huge in the 4 and 5 spots in the order driving in runs every weekend.” Marcel Bernal is the fiery leader we didnt have last year and a great run producer at the bottom of the order.” Benny Guerrero is a soft spoken leader who still swings the bat very well and does everything you ask of a player to help your team.”
The Sox put it all together this past weekend in Lancaster and went 6-1 to win the tournament. There were many outstanding individual efforts this past weekend.
MVP Chris Minogue .476 avg 3 hr 12 RBI 7 runs
Fred hanker .650 avg (8) doubles 11 RBI 9 runs
All tournament Damo Guerrero .500 6 RBI 5 runs
Dale Lopes .400 4 bb’s
Andy Martinez .545 14 runs scored
Dan Fleming .437 5 RBI (1st game ever as a slap hitter)
John Otte 2 hr’s 5 RBI
Chuck Vranich 3 wins including two over Primetime
Randy Clay 3 wins 3 on Sunday